Are Standardized Tests Friend or Foe?

Are standardized tests the best for students? This is a question most educators are asking themselves. In recent years, it has been found that while the intention of standardized testing was noble, the reality is that students are suffering from it rather than learning from it.

There are several patterns emerging that show how some students are benefitting and how some are not. New York state public schools report that the Black and Hispanic demographics score the lowest compare to their White and Asian peers in math. Also, those in that are from low-income homes are getting scores up to 20% lower than their classmates in standardized tests. It does seem strange that tests designed to be fair and equal to all are showing these results, making demarcations among various demographics.

With the pressure to pass their SATs, students are even resorting to cheating their way to a good score. None of these actions seem to be good for the average student. It may be time for educators to think about seeking a Masterâ€™s in Education Guide to find options for furthering their skills in teaching. This way, those who are designing the tests may make more informed decisions about how they can affect the quality of education in America.